If Someone Had Known

20th Century Fox via Everett Collection
50 years ago today -- March 2, 1965 -- The Sound of Music hit theaters in the United States. In honor of the iconic film's anniversary, we take a look behind the scenes of one of our favorite movies to share some things you may not have known.
1. While singing "I Have Confidence," Julie Andrews accidentally tripped in the Von Trapp courtyard.
plummerchristopher.tumblr.com
Director Robert Wise felt it added a much needed nervousness to the song and the character, so he decided to use it in the film.
2. Julie Andrews sang "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" to the Von Trapp children between filming.
happy-thought.tumblr.com
Since Mary Poppins hadn't been released yet, the kids all thought she made it up just for them.
3. Maria never uses the Captain's first name, Georg.
iseizetheday7.tumblr.com
She calls him only Captain, Sir, or Darling.
4. Christopher Plummer traveled to the Salzburg mountains to meet Captain's nephew and learn more about the character.
Since very little information was available about Captain Von Trapp for Plummer, he and his interpreter met with Captain's nephew to learn a bit about him. The nephew described the real man as the most boring man he'd ever met.
5. The day after the von Trapp family escaped Austria, Hitler ordered the borders shut.
6. They also took a train station to Italy and safety; they didn't hike over a mountain.
durillium.tumblr.com
Salzburg is much closer to Austria's border with Germany, and neither Italy nor Switzerland are within walking distance.
7. If they had hiked over a mountain, they'd find themselves near Hitler's mountain retreat in Germany.
8. Charmian Carr (Liesl) has admitted she was attracted to Christopher Plummer, who played her father.
strippermuffins.tumblr.com
Despite the 13 year age difference, Plummer admits that the feeling was mutual. He insists it never evolved beyond flirtation.
9. Director Robert Wise didn't get along with the real Maria von Trapp when she came to the set.
lejazzhot.com
He called her "bossy."
10. In the original play, ideological differences drive the Captain and the Baroness apart.
bellecs.tumblr.com
She wouldn't stand up to the Nazis, and he refused to compromise with them.
11. Grace Kelly had been considered for the part of the Baroness, but was a bit too busy, you know, being a princess.
12. The gazebo scene with Maria and the Captain was made a silhouette to hide the uncontrollable laughter of Julie Andrews.
20th Century Fox via Everett Collection
According to Andrews, a lighting device kept making a certain "raspberry" noise every time she leaned in to kiss Plummer. After more than 20 takes, the scene was changed to a silhouette to make her laughter less noticeable.
13. The real Von Trapp children weren't pleased with how stern their father was portrayed.
plummerchristopher.tumblr.com
Maria Von Trapp had asked Wise to soften the character a bit, but the director refused.
14. Kurt's high note in "So Long, Farewell" is actually sung by Liesl's real life younger sister.
geelmi.tumblr.com
The note was out of Duane Chase's range, so Charmian Carr's sister, Darlene, sang it instead.
15. Mia Farrow auditioned for the role of Liesl.
Liza Minnelli and Sharon Tate were also among those who tested for the part.
16. Christopher Plummer admits he was drunk when they filmed the music festival sequence.
lejazzhot.tumblr.com
17. The movie is one of only four films to win both the Tony Award for Best Musical/Play and the Oscar for Best Picture.
The others are My Fair Lady, A Man For All Seasons, and Amadeus.
18. Charmian Carr (Liesl) danced through "Sixteen Going On Seventeen" on an injured ankle.
During the first take of this scene, Carr slipped while leaping from a bench and fell through glass. She wasn't badly hurt, but her ankle was injured and needed to be wrapped for the scene.
19. Even though nobody had seen how she would perform on screen yet, Julie Andrews was always director Robert Wise's first choice.
lejazzhot.com
20. Yet she almost turned down the part, fearing it was too similar to Mary Poppins.
21. The actress who played Marta, Debbie Turner, kept losing teeth during filming.
loucaeapaixonadasempre.tumblr.com
They had to be replaced with false teeth.
22. The children kept growing during filming, so lots of heel lifts and camera tricks were needed for height continuity.
Louisa (Heather Menzies-Urich) started production three inches taller than Friedrich (Nicholas Hammond); he had to wear lifts. By the end of filming, he'd grown six inches. Liesl (Charmian Carr) had to stand on a box while Friedrich didn't wear shoes to help keep their heights consistent.
23. Nicholas Hammond had to endure a bunch of painful bleachings to turn brown hair blond for the film.
24. Christopher Plummer disliked filming so very much that he referred to the movie as "The Sound of Mucus."
25. Kurt Russell, Richard Dreyfuss, and Veronica Cartwright were among those who auditioned for roles as von Trapp children.
munchkin1946.tumblr.com
As did the four oldest Osmond brothers: Alan, Jay, Merrill, and Wayne.
26. The gazebo's interior scenes were shot in Los Angeles.
The inside of the actual gazebo was too small to accommodate the dance numbers.
thoughtcatalog.com
27. The gazebo can still be seen in Salzburg, but only from the outside.
Visitors were too frequently attempting to dance along the benches and injuring themselves, so the interior is now off limits.
28. Julie Andrews learned to play guitar specifically for this role.
29. Christopher Plummer also learned to play guitar for the role...but his playing was dubbed.
strippermuffins.tumblr.com
30. Christopher Plummer asked for "Edelweiss" to be replaced.
He thought the song was trite and "schmaltzy" and asked for it to be written out. Screenwriter Ernest Lehman refused.
31. There was nobody at the altar to officiate the wedding during filming because someone forgot to wake the actor.
taddat.tumblr.com
32. Julie Andrews has also claimed that the actual bishop of Salzburg can be spotted in the wedding scene.
33. It's not really Kym Karath (Gretl) on Captain's shoulders in the final shot as they climb the mountains to safety.
GIPHY
Karath had gained a bit of weight while filming in Austria, and evidently Christopher Plummer found her too heavy to carry on his back. He requested a stunt double.
34. Which is funny, since Plummer's weight gain required his costumes to be refitted for his extra mass.
He admitted he ate and drank in Austria in order to better cope with the unhappiness he felt from filming.
35. The movie features a rare onscreen performance by famed ghost singer Marni Nixon.
She played Sister Sophia. Nixon, who had previously done the vocals for Natalie Wood in West Side Story, Deborah Kerr in The King and I, and Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady. Since Julie Andrews played Eliza Doolittle in the Broadway version but was passed over in favor of Hepburn for the film, producers were nervous to learn how she would react to Nixon's casting. Andrews approached her and exclaimed, "Marni, I'm a fan of you!"
36. Christopher Plummer has said working with Julie Andrews is like "being hit over the head with a big Valentine's Day card."
37. Julie Andrews kept getting knocked over from the helicopter's wind.
austinhomemaggiefalvey.tumblr.com
Though that iconic spin looks warm and sunny, Andrews only remembers how cold she was as she repeatedly ran across the mountain with the ferocious winds of the chopper above. She tried digging her feet into the ground without luck.
38. Director Robert Wise climbed a nearby tree in order to film that first musical number; he wanted to be able to watch the helicopter filming without getting in the shot himself.
39. Sean Connery and Richard Burton were both considered to play Captain.
40. The real Maria von Trapp makes a cameo.
In the "I Have Confidence" scene, as Julie Andrews walks beneath a brick archway, the real Maria can be seen behind her, dressed as a peasant.
41. Heinrich Himmler, famed Nazi, took over the von Trapp house after they escaped. Adolf Hitler visited him there more than once.
marypassw.tumblr.com
42. Kym Karath (Gretl) couldn't swim, so Julie Andrews was responsible for catching her when they fall out of the boat and into the water.
i-just-live.tumblr.com
On the second take, the boat tipped in a way that sent Andrews flying one way and Karath falling out the other side. Heather Menzies-Urich (Louisa) was tasked with saving her instead, which Andrews was haunted by.
43. Subsequently, Karath threw up all over Menzies-Urich after swallowing too much water.
44. The cast had to be continually hosed down in order to maintain a soaking wet look after falling into the water.
45. Liesl may have been 16 going on 17, but she was actually older than Rolfe.
ww2.kqed.org
Charmian Carr was 22 at the time she sang that song; Daniel Truhitte, who played Rolfe, is ten months younger than she is. Now who's older and wiser?
46. Shirley Jones, Anne Bancroft, and Doris Day were all considered for the part of Maria.
47. Robert Wise initially turned down the opportunity to direct the picture.
Stanley Donen, Vincent Donohue, Gene Kelly, and George Roy Hill were also approached and said no.
48. Mary Martin, wife of the producer of the original Broadway show and the first woman to play Maria made nearly $8,000,000 from the film.
fanartandstuffilove.tumblr.com
While Julie Andrews earned just $225,000.
49. According to British tabloid The Sun, it's one of the films chosen to show after a nuclear strike to improve morale.
Though this is unconfirmed by the BBC who declared it a security issue.
50. Peggy Wood (Mother Abbess) had a hard time lip-syncing along to "Climb Ev'ry Mountain."
She struggled to perfectly match the first word of the song, so director Robert Wise had her face away from camera when she began singing. When she looked at camera, she had caught up with the song enough to perfectly pass. The effect of her staring out the window in the beginning added a mystical element to the song and fit in better than originally planned.

NBC
Freaks and Geeks was tragically canceled after only 12 episodes had aired -- a mistake many have come to learn throughout the years as the series has found a cult following and a new appreciation. Its cast is filled with some of the most recognizable and lovable faces around today. Here are the audition tapes from those faces, trying to land the roles we'd come to love them for:
Linda Cardellini, Lindsay Weir
We could really never picture any other actor playing Lindsay Weir, and she had it down pat even in her audition. Since playing lead character (and eternal style icon) Lindsay Weir, Cardellini has starred as the perm-getting murderess from Legally Blonde and Velma in the Scooby Doo movies, as well as maintaining a long run on ER and an Emmy-nominated guest role on Mad Men. More recently, she's done voice work with various TV shows.
whatshouldbetchescallme.tumblr.com
John Francis Daley, Sam Weir
"So that means she had sex in February." He straight up kills this audition and perfectly embodies the adorable Sam Weir. Best known for his facial expressions throughout the short-lived series, Daley has become well known to fans of the hit show Bones, starring as Dr. Lance Sweets since season 3. He also writes movies like Horrible Bosses and The Incredible Burt Wonderstone nowadays too.
GIPHY
Seth Rogen, Ken Miller
"That's why when some idiot teacher tells me that I'm not living up to my potential, I just smile 'cause I know I am." It seems from this clip, Seth Rogen hasn't changed much, thankfully. Rogen followed his role in Freaks and Geeks with a small role in Donnie Darko and a lead role on the (also tragically short-lived) Judd Apatow-created Undeclared before finding more mainstream success with bigger roles in films like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up, which he also produced. He's since gone on to write, produce, and star in several other monstrously successful films: Superbad, Pineapple Express, This Is The End, and Neighbors. He's also a known enemy of North Korea.
(GIPHY
Busy Philipps, Kim Kelly
Wow, Busy Philipps totally understood just how mean she was supposed to be. After her turn as McKinley High School's resident mean girl Kim Kelly, Philipps guest starred a few times on Undeclared and then had a longer run as a supporting role on Dawson's Creek. Aside from her film roles in movies like White Chicks and Made of Honor, she can be found currently starring in the sixth and final season of Cougar Town.
fckyeahfreaksandgeeks.tumblr.com
Jason Segel, Nick Andopolis
Absolutely perfect audition, right? No longer just the awkward, Led Zeppelin-obsessed stoner of McKinley, Segel now has a successful film career acting in Knocked Up, I Love You, Man, Bad Teacher, and writing/starring in movies like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Muppets, The Five-Year Engagement, and Sex Tape. His TV roles include a memorable recurring role on Undeclared and a lead role on the long-lasting hit series How I Met Your Mother.
fckyeahfreaksandgeeks.tumblr.com
Martin Starr, Bill Haverchuck
"It's called the Hitler Punch." It's clear from this hilarious audition why he got the part! Probably our favorite of the entire bunch, Bill Haverchuck, the geekiest of the geeks, was played perfectly by the lanky and awkward Martin Starr. Starr has gone on to enjoy film roles in Superbad, Knocked Up, and This Is The End, along with a TV role on the hilarious-but-unfortunately-short-lived cult comedy Party Down. He can currently be found on the Emmy-nominated Silicon Valley as Gilfoyle.
whatshouldwetrex.tumblr.com
Samm Levine, Neal Schweiber
Yepp, it seems Samm Levine really is Neal Schweiber, doofy impressions and all. Levine followed up his memorable turn as one of Sam Weir's geek best friends with small roles on every show you've ever heard of: Spin City, Yes, Dear, Just Shoot Me!, The Steve Harvey Show, Boston Public, Undeclared, Raising Dad, What I Like About You, Maybe It's Me, The Drew Carey Show, That's So Raven, That 70s Show, How I Met Your Mother, My Name Is Earl, Still Standing, Entourage, Veronica Mars, Lost, 90210, Modern Family, NCIS, Person of Interest, and most recently, Selfie. His film work includes Sydney White, Inglourious Basterds, and I Love You, Beth Cooper.
fckyeahfreaksandgeeks.tumblr.com
While there's no James Franco audition online yet, we're not giving up hope.
tellmeimawizard.tumblr.com

Parks And Recreation executive producer Harris Wittels died on Thursday (19Feb15) after a suspected drug overdose. The comedian's body was found by his assistant at his Los Angeles home. The official cause of death is not yet known, but the Los Angeles Police Department confirms to Entertainment Weekly it appears to have been an overdose.
Wittels, 30, was also a writer and guest star on the hit comedy, which is set for its series finale in the U.S. on Tuesday (24Feb15).
The night before he died (18Feb15), Wittels performed a stand-up act at The Meltdown comedy theatre in Hollywood, where he talked about being clean and sober, following his battles with drug addition and two-time stint in rehab.
In addition to his work on Parks and Recreation, he also produced and wrote for The Sarah Silverman Program and Danny McBride comedy Eastbound and Down.
Comedienne Silverman led the tributes to Wittels on Twitter.com, writing, "He was my baby. I just keep thinking of superman flying backwards around the earth. I wish I could do that. I'm so mad at you Harris. You should know that Harris was brilliant beyond compare. That his imagination was without limit. That he loved comedy more than anything.
"That his heart was big and he FELT hard. That he was someone who would reach out to tell you he was thinking of you for no particular reason. That he was honest even if it was gonna p**s u off or make him look s**tty. He told the truth. Even when it was ugly. Even when he lied."
Parks co-star Billy Eichner also paid homage to Wittels and wrote, "Don't know what to say. Harris Wittels was a fantastic writer I had the pleasure to work with at Parks and Rec. So so sad. RIP Harris."
Comedian Joe Mande, who also served as a writer at Parks and Recreation and met Wittels while attending Emerson College in Boston together, noted that the outpouring of condolences wouldn't exactly have pleased his close friend.
He wrote, "I met Harris in 2002 & sought his approval ever since. He was the most effortlessly funny person I've ever known. He'd hate all these tweets."

If you're a Disney princess lover, you probably spent all of 2014 singing "Let It Go." While Frozen, and other princess films are great, I personally think The Princess and the Frog is a film that just doesn't get enough love. From Tiana's dedication to the film's music, there are many reasons this movie deserves top ranks when compared to other Disney animated films.
1. Tiana doesn't start out as a little girl who wants to one day be a princess or fall in love.
Disney/tumblr.com
She has aspirations to open her own restaurant, which stem from the relationship she had with her father before he passed away.
2. But just because she is a hard-worker, that doesn't mean she judged others who had it easy:
Disney/GIPHY
Tiana's best friend Lottie was extremely well off because of her father Big Daddy's business, but that never made Tiana bitter or judgemental.
3. Anika Noni Rose (Tiana) was the first actress in 18 years to provide the speaking voice and singing voice for her princess.
Disney/YouTube
Before The Princess and the Frog, the last actress to do both parts was Paige O'Hara as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Since The Princess and the Frog was released, all future Disney princesses' voices and singing voices have been provided by the same actress (except for Merida in Brave, who does not sing).
4. When we first meet Prince Naveen, he's not a charming prince sent to rescue Tiana.
GIPHY/Disney
He's actually a partying womanizer that is about to be cut off because he won't change his ways.
5. Tiana is actually the one who saves Prince Naveen.
GIPHY/Disney
But after the whole turning-into-frogs-possibly-forever debacle, you can argue that they both save each other. Tiana teaches Naveen about working for yourself and what it means to love someone other than yourself, while Naveen teaches Tiana that is alright to live a little and forget about work for a while.
6. Mama Odie is one of the best characters we've ever watched in a Disney movie.
GIPHY/Disney
This blind voodoo priestess in the bayou helps Prince Naveen and Tiana, not that they realize it at the time, figure out what they need.
7. Tiana isn't all talk about her dreams, you actually witness her busting her butt to achieve them.
GIPHY/Disney
Which is big, given this movie is set in the 1920's. What other princess (or future princess, that is) can be seen working at an actual job?
8. The music in this film doesn't rely on being "catchy" or "campy" but instead is a true trial at authenticity.
Disney/YouTube
And it's good at doing just that. We've never wanted to go to New Orleans more than we did after watching this.
9. Tiana and her mother have a very realistic relationship.
Disney/nimcks.tumblr.com
Tiana's mother wants her to find her "Prince Charming" and give her some grandchildren, but Tiana has other plans in mind.
10. Lottie is not the typical girl who wants to be a princess and loves pink.
GIPHY/Disney
While those both are true, she's also a very good friend to Tiana. She's willing to kiss Prince Naveen, knowing that she can't marry him like she wanted to, because he loves Tiana and she wants them to be happy together.
11. Ray, a firefly, and Evangeline, a star, taught us more about love than any other movie.
Disney/dingle-hopper.tumblr.com
"Je t’adore, je t’aime, EvangelineYou’re my queen of the nightSo still, so brightThat someone as beautiful as sheCould love someone like meLove always finds a way, it’s trueAnd I love you, Evangeline"
12. Doctor Facilier, better known as the Shadow Man, is a pretty terrifying villain.
disneydeviants.tumblr.com
This witch doctor, with "help from the other side" throws a wrench in Prince Naveen's life by turning him into a frog, who then in turn, turns Tiana into a frog. Quite easily one of the most dramatic things to happen to a prince and princess in any Disney animated film.
13. Unlike other leading females in Disney, when approached by a witch/witch doctor/enchantress, Tiana does not give into temptation, even though she's offered her dream.
Disney/animation-picapam.tumblr.com
14. Because they're frogs for most of the movie, Tiana and Naveen's love is based on their personality, rather than physical attraction.
Disney/sailor--poon.tumblr.com
15. Forget about castles, this is the prettiest wedding scene in Disney history:
Disney/flynnriders.tumblr.com
Why do you love The Princess and the Frog? Tweet us your answers!
Follow @hollywood_comFollow @analuisasrz

Saturday Night Live is celebrating it's 40th anniversary this year and it's had some very memorable cast members (Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Adam Sandler to name a few) at studio 8H, and then there are some people who are very memorable actors, but we all sort of forgot their brief moments on the sketch comedy.
1. Robert Downey Jr. (85-86)
NBC/Yahoo
Robert Downey Jr. as suitcase boy, giving a "confrontational monologue"...it's not all that surprising he lasted only 1 season. But he's clearly moved on to bigger and better things.
2. Anthony Michael Hall (85-86)
NBC/Yahoo
To this day, Anthony Michael Hall still holds the title for youngest cast member on SNL, having joined when he was only 17-years-old in order to break his "geek" film typecast. He later admit he'd underestimated how competitive the show was.
3. Gilbert Gottfried (80-81)
NBC/YouTube
We thought it was impossible to forget that voice, but it was on SNL for a year.
4. Damon Wayans (85-86)
NBC/Yahoo
Wayans is best known for his time on In loving Color, it's easy to forget the year he spent at SNL.
5. Jenny Slate (09-10)
NBC/YouTube
You may or may not remember her time on SNL, as it wasn't that long ago, but you may remember someone dropping the F-bomb on live TV for the first time on this show. That was her.
6. Ben Stiller (1989)
NBC/Yahoo
His time as a featured player was brief, but this Weekend Update review of Rain Man with SNL legend Mike Meyers was a shining moment.
7. Billy Crystal (84-85)
NBC/YouTube
If you've been following SNL since the early days, you might not have forgotten about Billy Crystal and the many characters he portrayed in his 1-season run, but maybe you forgot the time he got Mr. T and Hulk Hogan to crack up on live TV.
8. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (82-85)
NBC/Yahoo
Maybe you're obsessed with Veep or still haven't gotten over Seinfeld, either way with such an extensive career, it's easy to forget Julia's early days on SNL (though she was the youngest woman ever cast at at 21-years-old).
9. Sarah Silverman (93-94)
NBC/YouTube
While there aren't many (if any) videos of Sarah's stint (she did mainyl write) on SNL 22 years ago, she does say she's happy that doesn't define her career.
10. Joan Cusack (85-86)
NBC/Yahoo
Her short time on SNL wasn't a bump in the road, but actually the spark that ignited her 30+ year career.
11. Rob Riggle (04-05)
NBC/Yahoo
You may not always recognize Rob Riggle by name, but you'll easily remember him from 21 Jump Street and Step Brothers. During his short time on SNL, he did impressions of Larry the Cable Guy, Toby Keith, and Howard Dean.
12. David Koechner (95-96)
NBC/Hulu
Before his Anchorman days, he became buddies with Will Ferrell when they were both cast members on this show.
Follow @hollywood_com
//
Follow @analuisasrz
//

The Stone Roses star Gary 'Mani' Mounfield has offered to give fans a taste of his rock 'n' roll lifestyle by auctioning off a wild night out in his company for a charity auction. The British rocker, also known for his tenure in Primal Scream, was among the guests at a charity gala in his hometown of Manchester, England on Saturday (31Jan15).
He had offered to bring along some signed Stone Roses memorabilia for a charity auction at the Las Vegas Fight Night event, but was unable to get hold of it in time, so he decided to offer up a night out on the town instead.
The star tells British newspaper the Manchester Evening News, "I was supposed to be getting some signed Roses stuff but I didn't get it in time, so I said to James (event organiser James Lindemann) why not just auction me instead? On a night out with me anything could happen - I could take someone to my favourite chippy (fast food restaurant) in north Manchester."
The night out with Mani sold for $3,520 (£2,200). Money raised at the event benefits three local charities.

ABC
Praise the Lord, #TGIT is back! To prepare, we spoke with Scandal's Tony Goldwyn, A.K.A. President Fitzgerald Grant, about what it's like portraying the President of the United States of America, where Fitz is at emotionally after the loss of his son, and of course, we discussed Olivia Pope.
We’re curious, do people have a hard time differentiating you as an actor because you play such an huge figure on TV as President Grant? Have fans ever called you the President?
I’m not sure if it has to do with being the President. I guess I do get a certain type of respect that I wouldn’t get if it was just me. People seem to get a real kick out of that. People tend to call me “The President” a lot.
What do you have to do to get into the mentality of such as powerful character?
Now it’s pretty natural because I’ve been doing it for a while. But in the first and second season, the thing I had to remind myself all the time, the degree of pressure the president is always under, every single second of every single day, there is so much stress, and so much weighing on every single moment. You have to have a sort of grace under that pressure. That kind of informs everything and to find grace under that pressure and a way of being cool in the face of that. The stakes were always really high and once I internalized that, it was extremely helpful.
Where would you say Fitz is at emotionally/mentally over the loss of his oldest son Jerry?
Oh god, the loss of his son Jerry almost killed him. Then there was the loss of Olivia that happened at the end of last season. But then Olivia returned and even though they’re not together, she’s back in his life in a way. But there’s hope, as he discovered. But the death of Jerry focused Fitz in a way that he’s determined. When he then lost Olivia, he was lost and utterly destroyed inside, but he was determined to be as effective a president as he can be. Now Olivia’s back and, as of the last episode in the mid-season finale, which I directed, Olivia’s been kidnapped. Fitz is being blackmailed now, that if he doesn’t go into this war in West Angola, that she will be killed and he’ll never see her again. Now Fitz has a terrible problem, because that completely undermines everything he intended to do in the wake of his son’s death to honor that memory and his job. But also the loss of Olivia is something that he can’t tolerate because he’s so desperately in love with her and so dependent on her.
How far do you think he would go to save Olivia?
I don’t know. We’ll have to see where everything goes, I can’t give any spoilers. But it’s sort of an existential crisis for Fitz. He has a responsibility to his job, the country, and everything he sees himself being about. But at the same time Olivia means more to him than anything in the world. It’s just an impossible quantity of situations.
Can you explain what it’s like to portray that relationship? What Olivia and Fitz have is nothing like anything else on TV.
You know what it is, these two people connect on a very, very deep level – emotionally, sexually, intellectually – everything. And at the same time, it’s an impossible relationship. The circumstances of their lives make it impossible. They keep making it more impossible. But it’s one of those relationships, that no matter what happens, once they’re in proximity of each other, all bets are off. They can’t deny the connection that they have. They can be enraged with each other, whatever their opinions are of what they should think; it just evaporates when they’re in each other’s presence. It’s an undeniable baseline reality of who they are to each other. It’s a very extreme kind of thing that happens.
Do you think there is something very specific about that relationship that has so many fans rooting for them, despite the fact that Fitz is married?
Well look, Fitz and Olivia it’s not just any infidelity. The truth is, yes they had an affair but you know Fitz has been in a very dysfunctional marriage and has stood up forthrightly and asked his wife for a divorce. He told Olivia he was leaving his wife. He said to Olivia 2 years ago, “I’m done, I’m choosing you.” He’s not some man who just wont leave his wife. He’s tried everything to be with the woman he loves, and Olivia, in collusion with Mellie, has blocked it. She’s forced him to wait. I know people have an issue with the infidelity but it’s not like his wife doesn’t know and he hasn’t been honest about it. And for that, I have no moral judgment about that as far as Fitz, he’s not trying to have his cake and eat it too. He’s transgressed and sinned, but so has Mellie and so has Olivia, they’re all human.
ABC
What’s different about Olivia’s relationship with Jake versus Fitz?
I think that Jake and Olivia’s relationship is one thing, but Fitz and Olivia, I believe separate from these insane circumstances of him being the President and all the pressures that come to bear and all of Olivia’s fears about intimacy and giving herself over to someone. I think Fitz believes and I believe, in his advocacy, that if she would do what he said, they would be able to begin something substantial and powerful. They could have a family together. Hell, they’re not going to move to Vermont and he’s not going to be the mayor, that’s a fantasy but they could, as a couple, build a life together and it would be so much more powerful than they are separate. They could have a very ideal relationship, I believe. I think her relationship with Jake is something different. It’s an escape for all that. Maybe they would have a successful relationship. I do believe Olivia loves both men. But I also think that she and Fitz have a very deep connection on so many levels, professionally, and in so many ways. I think there is more heft to it.. Then there is their chemistry, while she and Jake have good chemistry, Fitz and Olivia have a chemistry that is so beyond a sexual connection, it’s that plus so much else.
Do you think that’s what fans really see? When Fitz and Olivia are in a room together, it’s very obvious their feelings and emotions for each other.
It’s super charged. They see each other and know each other in a deep, almost historic way. That was Fitz’s big point in the past, “you know me,” they connect and see the best of each other. They see the true person. I think Jake and Olivia, in a relationship, would be creating a whole new thing. They’d be leaving their life and running away and it would be a whole big thing. Maybe they can start all over and Jake can leave behind his life and start with Olivia. I think with Fitz and Olivia, they could work, if they make their way through his gauntlet. They’ve always known where they’ve been. We don’t know Jake’s past. He’s a mystery figure. He’s been a soldier his whole life. And then a B613 operative.
Switching to Fitz’s other relationship, can you tell us if you think things between Fitz and Mellie will ever recover, not the marriage but just as Fitz and Mellie, after all that’s happened, Jerry’s death on top of it all?
I think it goes back and forth with Mellie. I don’t see Mellie and Fitz recovering their romantic relationship, ever. But at the same time, as much as Fitz was disgusted and offended and to his core just cut Mellie off, when she sort of betrayed him, he still understands Mellie. He knows that’s not who Mellie really is. That’s not who the true Mellie is. That’s the desperate, damaged, wounded Mellie. He’s got the love-hate relationship with Mellie. He has real contempt for what Mellie stands for, but he has intense guilt over his neglect of Mellie. His father raped his wife and he’s got all this guilt. He’s got this complicated thing. But at the same time he respects and loves and admires Mellie for all of her best qualities and he’s also not willing to give up on that. Like so many marriages, it keeps flipping from one to the other, but they have a partnership there. They have a mutual kind of respect in some way. They both know each other’s attributes as each other’s failings.
You directed that crazy mid-season finale. Can we look forward to you directing any more episodes in this season?
No sadly, I don’t have any more for this season.
What was it like directing yourself and then your co-workers, given you’ve been working with them so much and you’re so invested in this storyline?
It’s such an experience to work from inside of it. It’s also a great privilege to be able to work with all these great actors in a different way than when I am acting with them. It’s exciting for all of us. I get to work with people I don’t usually have scenes with, like Guillermo (Huck) and Katie (Quinn), who I don’t ever act with much on screen if at all. It’s wonderful. It’s a great experience.
So, can you give us an unbiased response on whether you’re Team Jake or Team Fitz?
I endorse God fully, but I have to admit that I’m Team Fitz. I say that with full appreciation of the Jake-Olivia relationship. But I think for me, that’s a fantasy relationship, at least now, its not grounded in anything real, it’s an erotically charged escape relationship for both of those people. I think Fitz and Olivia is a relationship based on two people who could be the answer for each other, they may never find their way there, but it’s very real and the facts are established in reality.
Scandal returns to ABC Thursday, January 29th at 9 P.M.

Neon Gold Records/Atlantic Records
2014 was a pretty great year for music: Taylor Swift, Pharrell, and Coldplay all had new albums; Beyoncé had a re-release; Iggy Azalea debuted (and broke records). As the year ends, and the 'Best Of' lists begin to surface, we can't help but wonder what 2015 will bring. If these albums are any indication, it's going to be an amazing year for music fans.
Mark Ronson - Uptown Special (1/27)
We haven't been able to stop listening/dancing to "Uptown Funk," and if that single is any indication of what the rest of the album will be like, we're sure it'll be one of our favorites of the year. Ronson's also released two other groovy singles from the upcoming album, "Feel Right" and "Daffodils," and they don't disappoint at all.
Imagine Dragons - Smoke + Mirrors (2/17)
When Imagine Dragons performed "I Bet My Life" at the American Music Awards, we were positively blown away. They always manage to crush their live performances, but this song might just be our favorite of theirs. They've also released two other singles from the album, "Gold" and "Shots," that make it clear the Las Vegas rockers won't be suffering from a sophomore slump.
Marina and the Diamonds - Froot (3/4)
We dare you to watch the video above of Marina's acoustic version of Froot's second single, "Happy," without becoming completely entranced. It's beautiful. It's everything we've come to expect and love about the Welsh singer, and we just can't wait to hear the whole album. If you're anything like us, and you can't get enough of her perfection, we suggest watching the video for title track, "Froot," on repeat (you won't regret it).
Madonna - Rebel Heart (3/10)
After a series of leaks that deeply upset the Queen, she gave an early Christmas present to her fans: six tracks available on iTunes and Spotify, and the ability to pre-order her album now. The songs, "Living for Love," "Unapologetic Bitch," "Bitch I'm Madonna" "Illuminati," "Devil Pray," and "Ghosttown," all vary in quality, but we're still excited to hear what she has waiting for us. We have a feeling she'll want the rest of the album to be twice as good as intended just to spite the leakers. This is Madonna, after all.
Kendrick Lamar - TBA (TBA)
Kendrick Lamar's second album, good kid, m.A.A.d. city, blew us away with songs like "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe," "M.A.A.D. City," and "Swimming Pools (Drank)." If the newly released "i" is a sign of things to come, we really can't wait to hear the rest of his album.
Rihanna - R8? (TBA)
GIPHY
Rihanna has released an album every year since her debut (with the exception of 2008). Her eighth studio album (and her first not on Def Jam records) will give fans long awaited new music for the first time since 2012's Unapologetic. Though we haven't heard any samplings from the new record, it's hard to imagine Rihanna would give us anything less than perfection. Get ready for RiRi radio takeover in 2015.
Giorgio Moroder - 74 Is the New 24 (TBA)
The 74 year old pioneer of disco and EDM, the man who produced Donna Summer's smash hits ("Last Dance," "I Feel Love," and "Hot Stuff," just to name a few), and the man with a song named after him (that he assisted with) on a little album called Random Access Memories is releasing his first studio album in 17 years. The first single, also titled "74 Is the New 24," makes us truly believe that Moroder is right: maybe 74 really is the new 24.
Gwen Stefani - TBA (TBA)
We have been HUGE fans of Gwen Stefani's since the early days of No Doubt, and are firm believers that she can do no wrong. Her first single off the new album, "Baby Don't Lie," was quickly added into rotation on our Spotify playlists. The second one, "Spark the Fire," has yet to grow on us (and the title always makes us think we'll hear the No Doubt song, "Start the Fire"), but it's a collaboration with Pharrell that gives us hope for more like their "Hollaback Girl" days.
Adele - 25? (TBA)
GIPHY/ahsorefreshing.tumblr.com
It hasn't been confirmed that the album will be titled 25, but based on a cryptic Twitter post and her history of album titles, it's a safe bet. I, like every other breathing human, have gone far too long without new Adele music. The album was slated for a 2014 release, but was unfortunately pushed back. We can hopefully expect it early on in 2015, but until then, we'll have to settle for more cry-singing along to "Someone Like You." Will that ever get old?
Drake - Views from the 6 (TBA)
GIPHY/fyeahchampagnepapi.tumblr.com
Drake's fourth album's title references his hometown of Toronto. Other than that, not much is known about what's coming from the "Take Care" rapper, but that hasn't stopped the excitement from building.
Grimes - TBA (TBA)
After releasing "Go," a song she allegedly penned for Rihanna (who inevitably rejected it), Grimes has said her new album won't sound anything like it. Whatever her album sounds like, we're sure to listen. She hasn't let us down yet. Until then, we'll just keep watching the video for "Genesis."
Kanye West - TBA (TBA)
GIPHY/yahooentertainment.tumblr.com
Rumor has it that Kanye's follow up to Yeezus has been pushed back several times because of his personal life (what with his relatively new fatherhood and all), but now it's ready to go. There may not be much truth to these rumors, but one thing is certain: Kanye's album will undoubtedly be #WorldsMostTalkedAboutAlbum.

Caitlin Mitchell
Recently, we sat down the the beautiful Mizuo Peck, best known for her portrayal as Sacajawea in the Night At The Museum series to prep for the release of the final film in the series, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. We spoke with her about her acting career, that began in a school with many other famous alumni, and got candid about her time in this popular series. She discussed her methods for portraying a historical figure, what it's been like to be a part of this series, and her thoughts on Robin William's impact on the film.
How did you get your start in acting?
I started acting when I was 11-years-old. I was apart of this really great theater company, called TADA!, which is still going strong today. They have a lot of great alum, like Iggy Azalea and Kerry Washington. It really changed my life and got me into this world. I auditioned by singing this song and it got me out of my skin and got my very confident and I learned how to be focused. They really treated us like professionals. We weren’t allowed to get away with, “oh they’re just kids,” no, this was a professional company.
Growing up, did you have any actors/actresses you found inspirational and used as motivation?
Oddly enough, for a long time as a kid I looked up to Johnny Depp. Not only did I think I looked like him a little bit, but also I enjoyed that after 21 Jump Street he could have gone on the pretty boy path, but he fought convention and did all the crazy roles and he wanted to focus on genuine character work. I just remember thinking that was amazing thing to look up to. These days I think there are a lot of actors and actresses that are doing a really great job. I also really like these indie people, like Miranda July and Emily Mortimer, I’m really impressed by her career. Just actresses that are really smart and savvy, who create the work for themselves.
Are there any actors/actresses you’d like to work with in the future? Like someone, that you need to work with?
No, I’d be honored to work with any of them. The list of Cate Blanchett’s, they’re the ones that I idolized. It’d be great to work with them. But for the most part, I just want to be girlfriends with them. I think we’d get along, like Lena Dunham.
What is it like to portray a historical figure? Is there any pressure because people actually know who that person is?
I swear, I did so much research on Sacajawea, because it’s so important to me to make her real. We are playing wax statues of these characters, but her story is so fascinating, so it was really cool for me to watch all these documentaries and read all these books about her life. I could tell you so many stories about her, she was such an asset to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Do you have a particular style for preparing for this role?
Yeah, I read a lot of books. Watched a lot of documentaries. I went to the American Indian Natural History Museum all the way down in Bowling Green, which was beautiful to see all the different artifacts and they have modern Native American art. I also read some of the children’s stories that they had at the library there. It was nice to learn and research, it felt like a great way to get in touch. I took a lot from my time out west, visiting the different reservations and the countryside.
Is there any other historical figure, male or female, you’d like to portray?
As far as playing another historical figure man or woman, it would be fun to play a wild and eccentric artist like Salvador Dali. How about Josephine Baker, the barrier breaking roaring 20's entertainer? The Japanese artists Yayoi Kusama and Yoko Ono are still very much alive and creating their courageous art. I think they're great and I'd love to portray them some day.
What’s been your favorite trait about this character, as this is the third time you’re portraying her, what do you think is the best thing about her?
It’s funny, because this time around Sacajawea really gets to put her leadership skills out there. She gets to take charge and she gives some sagely advice to Ben’s character, now that they’ve known each other through the years, she’s able to give him some advice about parenting, She’s very confident. There are so many words to describe her, she’s brave and resilient. In one word, I would say she is wise. She does impart her opinion ad advice. She is someone Ben Stiller’s character listens to and looks up to, because she knows what’s up.
So, how would you say what her relationship with Ben Stiller’s character (Larry Daley) is in these films?
Sacajawea has become a link between the magical creatures that are coming alive in the museum. Carla Gugino’s character (Rebecca), the female interest in the film, and he kind of presents Sacajawea as a gift to her to prove he’s not crazy. I think I was like a friend, along with Ahkmenrah and Attila The Hun, we are all a team with Ben. Which is fun, we encounter obstacles together, along with Teddy Roosevelt of course, who is like the team leader, but Ben is the leader too. We’re a very democratic team, everyone gets a say and is respected.
Is there a moment you think fans will look forward to in this movie?
This time around it was really great. What was different is that I’m holding a monkey the entire time.
What was it like working with the monkey?
It was amazing. Yes, I’ve worked with Dexter before and me a Dexter really get to bond. I’m basically carrying Dexter the entire time. People all want to believe that Dexter is a boy, but she’s not. It’s a girl, she’s Crystal. Crystal and I bonded very much. What was amazing is the gestures she gives you. She shows you when she trusts you, when she puts her hands over her teeth, it’s an act of submission to show she won’t bite you. When she gets really comfortable, she grooms you. It was actually a great honor to work with her. And saying goodbye to her at the end, she was at the cast party and she reached out her hand. It was heartbreaking, it was like tearing myself away from this child. She had such a connection with me.
Twentieth Century Fox
Is there any museum you wish you could have unlimited access to like in these films?
The Lourve. That was always the name thrown around, that it would be the next museum we were going to go to. That would be absolutely amazing. I think it would be romantic and mysterious to walk through. We were able to walk through the British Museum at night and it was eerie and really cool to have free reign.
How do you feel like this film will reflect on Robin Williams’ memory? Is there is any scene with him that you feel you’ll really keep with you?
Oh absolutely! Robin and I, from the very start, had a really sweet relationship. Teddy and Sacajawea's relationship does continue on into this third movie. This time around, we were arm and arm, walking around the halls of the museum. Checking things out, checking in on each other. We had this strength and trust in each other. He was my Teddy. I’m always going to remember him as that. He’ll always have a special place in my heart. I do think this movie will be such a celebration of his genius. I feel so lucky to have gotten a glimpse of his wild personality and his spirit. I feel very grateful to have been able to work with him.
How is it going to be, promoting this film and watching it on the screen after his untimely passing?
It’s going to be really tough to watch. Without what happened, the movie is kind of takes a serious note. In the movie, there’s a lot of mortality issues, even though we are mannequins. The tablet that keeps us alive is failing. I think there’s a lot of heart wrenching moments. With Robin’s passing, it’s going to be even more bittersweet to watch.
What was it like working with him?
He’s just pure joy. Especially in this character, you know just the strong, leadership of Teddy Roosevelt in this film. I mean, he is a shining light. I’ll never forget when I first got the job, my agent was like, “Okay, you’re going to be riding a horse...with Robin Williams.” I knew there was going to be some famous people in the film that I wasn’t expecting. It’s been an amazing ride.
What can we expect to see from you in the next year?
I would love to do television! I want to use this momentum to go into pilot season, which is the beginning of the year. I would love to book a TV series. I just got new agents, so I’m going to get on it.
What is it about a TV show you’d like? I know some actors don’t like to do both film and television.
I think these days television is a whole other ball game. It’s so well written and so high quality. I think it’s a dream world of stability. You know, I’d do a million films. But with films, they’re a couple months and then they’re over. With some jobs, it’s only a couple days and it’s over. So that just means you keep having to look, which is obviously part of being an actor, you’re always looking for the next gig. I have this fantasy of rolling up to set and getting ready for the day. There’s just a family feeling that I’m seeking.
Is there anything you’d like to add that you want our readers to be looking forward to in the film?
There’s so many good things! You know, the film is going to be like a surprise to me. There’s so many times we are fighting things that aren’t there. That is an interesting thing to look for, when we’re fighting the 9-headed Chinese dragon, it isn’t there. The was one stunt thing I did, which wasn’t much of a stunt, but wasscary for me. In one part of the movie, I’m opening the doors of the planetarium, not only is it digitally done, I’m on a 30-feet cherry picker. It was most frightening thing, I didn’t realize I was afraid of heights until I got up there. And that’s the magic of movie making.
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb is in theaters December 19th! Make sure you see it in theaters for one final, incredible ride.

2014 was a great year for fans of pop culture and books. We learned the stories behind the making of a classic, had a young girl tell us what she's "learned," and even learned the secrets of modeling that Tyra could never have taught us. We've rounded up the best of these just in case you're looking for a last minute gift or the next pick for your book club.
1. "Yes Please" - Amy Poehler
Getty Images/Sonia Recchia
For: A fledgling feminist in her twenties who could use a good laugh and some sound advice from a Smart Girl, or anyone who needs to hear that it's okay to feel the way they're feeling.
Memorable Quote: "Because what else are we going to do? Say no? Say no to an opportunity that may be slightly out of our comfort zone? Quiet our voice because we are worried it's not perfect? I believe great people do things before they are ready."
(Bonus quote: "I have the Angelina Jolie of vaginas.")
2. "Not My Father's Son" - Alan Cumming
Getty Images/Brad Barket
For: Fans of Who Do You Think You Are? or anyone trying to overcome their childhood dramas and are seeking inspiration.
Memorable Quote: "For yes, being a woman, even one with a penis and for the purposes of drama really made me feel that women have been coerced into a way of presenting themselves that is basically a form of bondage. Their shoes, their skirts, even their nails seem designed to stop them from being able to escape whilst at the same time drawing attention to their sexual and secondary sexual characteristics. And I think that has happened so that men feel they can ogle them and protect them in equal measure."
3. "The Woman I Wanted To Be" - Diane von Furstenberg
Getty Images/Valeria Macon
For: The fashionista who knows what she wants, or the woman in your life who wants to 'have it all.'
Memorable Quote: "In my older face, I see my life. Every wrinkle, every smile line, every age spot. There is a saying that with age, you look outside what you are inside. If you are someone who never smiles your face gets saggy. If you're a person who smiles a lot, you will have more smile lines. Your wrinkles reflect the roads you have taken; they form the map of your life. My face reflects the wind and sun and rain and dust from the trips I've taken. My face carries all my memories. Why should I erase them?"
4. "So, Anyway" - John Cleese
Getty Images/Slaven Vlasic
For: The Monty Python fan seeking a crash course in what makes comedy funny and what makes a comedian successful.
Memorable Quote: "So, creatively, I was doubly blessed: constant relocation and parental disharmony. Add to these two gifts the well-established fact that many of the world's greatest geniuses, both artistic and scientific, have been the product of serious maternal deprivation, and I am forced to the conclusion that if only my mother had been just a little more emotionally inadequate, I could have been HUGE."
5. "Uganda Be Kidding Me" - Chelsea Handler
Getty Images/D Dipasupil
For: Chelsea Handler fans suffering withdrawals during this period between her E! show and her upcoming Netflix gig.
Memorable Quote: "There's a difference between being a class act and being classy. Peeing off the side of a Jeep doesn't mean you're not classy, it just means you're a free spirit with a small bladder."
6. "The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year" - Andy Cohen
Getty Images/Nomi Ellenson
For: Any pop culture junkie who wants all the dirt on their favorite celebrities; any Real Housewives fans itching to know which lady is causing the most trouble.
Memorable Quote: "I literally almost called this book Diary of a Name-Dropper. So if you want to play a drinking game while reading this book—and that's not a great idea and only gonna last for so long—take a swing every time you read a name you recognize."
7. "Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's 'Learned'" - Lena Dunham
Splash News
For: Any guy or Girl who's almost getting it kind of together; anyone whose own thoughts have sometimes been too much for them.
Memorable Quote: "When someone shows you how little you mean to them and you keep coming back for more, before you know it you start to mean less to yourself. You are not made up of compartments! You are one whole person! What gets said to you gets said to all of you, ditto what gets done. Being treated like shit is not an amusing game or a transgressive intellectual experiment. It's something you accept, condone, and learn to believe you deserve. This is so simple. But I tried so hard to make it complicated."
8. "Dancing With Myself" - Billy Idol
Getty Images/Paul Archuleta
For: The wannabe groupie; anyone interested in the not-to-be-believed antics and lifestyles of glam rockers.
Memorable Quote: "After a while, my nose became so bloody that I reverted to smoking cocaine instead. From there, it was all downhill."
9. "Let's Just Say It Wasn't Pretty" - Diane Keaton
Splash News
For: Anyone who has ever felt or been told they were ugly or imperfect; anyone who sees themselves aging before a mirror and sighs.
Memorable Quote: "After living with Mr. Lincoln's portrait for several years, I've come to this conclusion: his beauty, like the hidden cast of his right eye, became identifiable only after I included "unsightly" as a possible way of describing a beautiful face."
10. "Carsick: John Waters Hitchhikes Across America" - John Waters
Getty Images/Rob Kim
For: Your eccentric friend with incurable wanderlust; anyone who wants to see America from a very different pair of eyes.
Memorable Quote: "I'm alive, I think, and so many of my friends are not. I may be nuts to be doing this, but I'm kind of proud of myself. I am having an adventure. I like my life. Even if I have to stand here for the rest of it."
11. "Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography" - Neil Patrick Harris
Getty Images/Frederick M. Brown
For: The person living a life that seems unworthy of a book and wants to live vicariously through Doogie Howser, M.D.; fans of choose-your-own-adventure books, biographies, and How I Met Your Mother.
Memorable Quote: "If you had known people would be calling you by your character name for the next twenty years, you might have asked for a different one. Thunderbolt Howser, say, or Dr. Feelgood, or Baron von Sexy Ass."